Anglican Missions have connected with the Episcopal Church USA and Episcopal Diocese of Venezuela to offer support after two magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes hit central Venezuela last week.

Alongside the loss of more than 1700 people's lives recorded thus far, the earthquakes have caused widespread serious injury and massive property damage. Hundreds of buildings have collapsed or are badly damaged, and tens of thousands of people are still reported missing or unaccounted for. More than 12,000 people have been displaced from their homes. 

Buildings have collapsed, power infrastructure has been disrupted and hospitals are overflowing with people injured in the earthquakes.

International support is now flowing into the country, which was already facing severe humanitarian pressure.

At the start of 2026, some 7.9 million people in Venezuela already needed humanitarian support. Now their earthquake recovery needs are expected to shift quickly from search and rescue to shelter, health care, psychosocial support, livelihoods and long-term recovery. 

How Anglican Missions is responding

Anglican Missions is working through trusted Anglican Alliance partners already connected to communities in Venezuela, including Episcopal Relief & Development and "Alongside Hope", as well as the Episcopal Diocese of Venezuela.

The Diocese of Venezuela has indicated that their immediate priorities include:

– Food and safe water for families cut off from normal supplies.
– Health support, including basic medical needs and access to care.
– Emergency shelter and essential household items for people unable to return home.
– Psychosocial and pastoral care for grieving families, displaced people, children and responders.
– Recovery support as needs shift toward livelihoods, repairs and longer-term rebuilding.

Anglican Missions has already pledged $5,000 NZD for immediate assistance, and is calling on this Church to support the Venezuela Earthquake Appeal. This will enable Anglican Missions to be ready to respond as the Venezuelan Diocese confirms what their communities need in the next stages of response and recovery. 

To donate go to the donate page for Anglican World Aid (AWA) and select "Venezuela Earthquake Appeal" after you have entered your donation amount and details.